MSD Billet Distributor Problem

[BLAM]

Ok I got my 512" solid roller stroker on the test stand today and the motor mechanically runs great, but the MSD Billet Distributor is not holding timing or adavancing / retarding properly, I think?.  Set the timing at idle engine runs great (35 Degrees).  Bring RPM up and at about 3500 rpm starts to run poorly, bring the motor back down to idle and the initial timing is messed up, fell into the 20s.

Called MSD tech line and changed out all the plastic bushings for the mechanical advance and none of them made a difference.  Thought maybe it could be the Digital 6 Box was bad changed it with a 6AL box that is know to work, but still had the same problem.

Am I missing something or doing something incorrectly or is my distributor no good?  All parts are new on this engine including MSD components.

Thanks

Andy

[Runner]

what kind of timing light are you using,  if your using a dial back light that might be your problem. i have one here that doesnt work for crap. i chased an erratic timeing problem only to find that the light was the problem. 

[firefighter3931]

I agree, try using a non dialback timing light. That engine combo will want the black bushing in the MSD distributor for the proper amount of mechanical advance.



Ron

[Steve P.]

You can also test that light on another car and compare your results. If it's the light they should be about the same..

[tecmopar]

Not sure if I'm reading this right but are you saying that the timing at idle is 35*, thats a tad high if it is.

[suntech]

I agree about the light!!! Get a non- adjustable timing light, and mark up on the flywheel or harmonic balancer where you want the timing, and go from there.
Been through a few of these fancy adjustable timing lights, that does´nt work for crap!!!

[BLAM]

I am sorry meant to say 35 total 19 initial.  In my research last night I learned that this kind of problem is commonly attributed to the wires on the distributor being installed reversed at the factory.  I will check that today!

[BLAM]

Well here is an update from my end.  Sure enough the two wires on the distributor were connected on the wrong terminals!  So much for MSD quality control!

Engine ran very well with the 6AL and Blaster Coil on the test stand but ran poorly across the all RPM with the Digital 6 box and Blue Coil.  Next I will try the blue coil with the 6AL box and see how it runs, then try the Blaster Coil with the Digital 6 box to isolate out where the problem comes from!

I am wondering if the Digital 6 needs some additional grounding and or wire shielding.

Any experiences anyone can share in setting up the Digital 6 box would be appreciated.  None of the timing retards or rev limiting wires are hooked up.

Thanks again.

Andy

[firefighter3931]

Andy, i remember reading awhile back on Moparts where a memebr was having problems with the digital box and the issue was corrected with shielding the main power supply wire. Going off memory the positive wire was originally routed too close to the alternator and alternate routing solved the problem.

I haven't run the digital boxes and have allways used a 6A or 6AL so no personal experience.....but it's worth a try. 



Ron

[doctorpimp]

Andy,
What wires were hooked up wrong in your distrib?
Where did you find that info?

Paul

[BLAM]

Paul

The two wires running into the distributor were reversed on the two terminals in the distributor.  I spoke with Dan Costello (Dram) on Moparts and got the tip that this is not uncommon with brand new MSD distributors.

Andy

[doctorpimp]

Thanks Andy.
How would you know if the wires were right or not
Just by running it?

[BLAM]

Look on the schematic and trace the wires back to the distributor and make sure that the colored wire and terminal combintation on the schematic are the same as the actual distributor.  You will know if they are backwards when you run up to 3000 RPM, which is when the multi-spark cuts out, the timing will go nuts and the engine will run rough.

[doctorpimp]

Thanks, for the heads-up !